Former Crackdown, Fable II, GTA and MotoGP devs form new studio

Gaming industry old-hands Gaz Liddon and Billy Thompson have officially confirmed the creation of a new new development house. Ruffian Games – which aims â€œto bring the best in action gaming to current generation consolesâ€ – is comprised of staff that have worked on such illustrious titles as Fable 2, Crackdown, GTA, Project Gotham Racing and MotoGP.

Billy Thompson, creative director had this to say: “Everything we do is focused on enhancing the player’s experience. We strive for tight intuitive controls, well-balanced goals, game changing rewards, and player progression that will make you feel like a god! Above all, we want toÂ provide an online experience rivalling any other through co-operative and competitive multiplayer gaming. Online play is the future of gaming and we’re incredibly excited about where that is going to take us.”

Studio head Gaz Liddon added “Creative and talented people are the lifeblood of any studio and I am so excited to be working with the best the industry has to offer. It simply isn’t possible for any studio to have a better start than this.”

With that sort of pedigree, it’s hard not to look forward to whatever it is Ruffian has in store for us. There are rumours that they’re working on Crackdown 2, the much under-appreciated bonus that accompanied the Halo 3 beta. I hope this is true – Crackdown is one of the few Sandbox style games my fastidious personality actually enjoyed.

Ruffian games are based in Dundee. That’s Dundee Scotland, not Dundee Australia – so there should be no debates as to what is or isn’t a knife.

Editor. I'm old, grumpy and more than just a little cynical. One day, I found myself in possession of a NES, and a copy of Super Mario Bros 3. It was that game that made me realise that games were more than just toys to idly while away time - they were capable of being masterpieces. I'm here now, looking for more of those masterpieces.

Competitions

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is apparating into cinemas today, which should get all the Potterheads out there screaming in delight. And we're adding to that excitement by revealing the five winners of magical movie hampers worth R2000 each.

Advert

About US

Critical Hit is built on the idea that we are more than one thing. Are you a hardcore gamer who also enjoys a night out at the movies? Perhaps you’re a professional cosplayer who is searching for the perfect burger, or maybe you’re just interested in high-end tech and Netflix binging. Covering gaming, entertainment, tech and geek, Critical Hit offers information and critique from a staff of diverse, knowledgeable and fiercely opinionated writers.